TIDBITS

Two West Coffee House in Ventura, shut down since sustaining major damage from a two-alarm fire Feb. 10, may be back in business within two months, co-owner Dave Paglia said.

Paglia said work is under way to repair the ceiling and floor of the 92-year-old building and fix the coffee bar. He said much of the eccentric garage sale and thrift store furniture, which suffered severe smoke damage, will need to be replaced.

"Everything needs to be completely redone, but I'm shooting to reopen in six weeks," he said. "The landlord has been incredible. His main purpose is to get us back in business as soon as possible."

The fire, caused by a short in the wiring of a space heater, occurred just a month after the family-run coffeehouse opened for business. But Paglia is taking the setback in stride. "Thank God we were at least open a month," he said. "We had time to see what worked and what didn't work."

"Basically, we'll be doctoring up a bunch of wines to extremes, so people can understand what terms like oaky , acidic and flowery mean," said Laura Livingston, class instructor. "Then we will spend time on the main wine areas of California and have examples from six of those major regions."

The popular event, expected to attract at least 1,500 people, is sponsored by the Conejo Valley Rotary Club, with proceeds benefiting the Thousand Oaks Teen Center.

"What I like to do is have what I consider the better quality food purveyors in the area," said Vern Miller, one of the festival coordinators. "I like to have a balance of cuisines, varying from traditional American food to upscale restaurants. We also have the best in Mexican cuisine, and this year Indian cuisine too."

The festival will run from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. They can be picked up at the mall's customer service booth or by calling 371-1500.